Amsterdam is one of those places you must visit if you would like to spend time in a city that has much to offer. From villas possessed by rich merchants to vivid parks with splashes of stunning colors, Amsterdam has it all. This wonderful city is well-known for its canals & its cruises, its stunning nightlife from night clubs to candlelight dinners, its coffee culture, cafes, museums, red light district and much more. If you’re on a budget trip to Amsterdam then the city has many things to offer for free. Below are top 10 free things worth your time to do in Amsterdam.

See Civic Guards’ Gallery for Free

Inside the Kalverstraat gate to the Amsterdam Historical Museum is a glass-roofed pathway which houses amazing 17th-century portraits, on show to the community at no charge. The topics of the fifteen huge paintings are the Amsterdam Civic Guards which served in the 1600s. The most popular Civic Guard portrait is, obviously, The Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum. These paintings have an identical but more official feel than Rembrandt’s masterpiece.

Begijnhof

When you enter the Begijnhof, an invisible courtyard of bungalows originally integrated the 14th-century for a group of pious, non-profit women, you are immediately transferred from busy central Amsterdam to a tiny town. You will find a well-kept lawn and flower landscapes, centuries-old homes and a small ancient cathedral.

Visit Dam Square

All roads seem to lead here in Amsterdam. It is near the Elegant Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the War Memorial, in addition to many stores and dining places, so do not anticipate solitude. But you do not need to spend a penny to be amused here. If you like people watching then it’s an awesome spot, and the square is a stage for numerous joyful street performers. Do remember though to tip the “living statues” before taking their pictures or they will be pissed.

Visit Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt

Stop and smell the roses. Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt is the earth’s only sailing flower market. The flower booths are all on houseboats and besides the fresh blooms there are sacks & bulbs of seeds accessible for export directly to your house terrace garden. But you do not have to purchase something to enjoy the market. Just sit on one of the terraces for some time and enjoy the luxurious colors and fragrance.

Rijksmuseum

Many travelers don’t realize they can wander through the sculpture and shrubs of the Rijksmuseum Landscapes without paying a penny. During the continuous renovation of the art gallery (to be finished in 2012-13), the Renaissance & Baroque Gardens stay open to the public. A 100 % free printed guide gives qualifications on the amazing sculptures, features, ponds and 5 centuries of salvaged Dutch architectural pieces — such as Gothic pillars & 17th-century town gateways — which make this a remarkable Amsterdam fascination.

Ferry over the IJ: Take a free boat tour

Between the town center of Amsterdam & Northern Amsterdam lays the IJ. It is the oldest part of Amsterdam’s port. If you are itching for a boat drive, why not take pleasure in one for free? While it’s quite an uncomplicated & short journey, the boat drive to its northern banks affords guests an extensive view of the Amsterdam waterfront.

Have a picnic at Vondelpark

This is something you should probably do anyway. I love Vondelpark! See picture above. Particularly in summer time it is always stuffed with people lying in the sun and goofing around. There are free events at the Open Air Theater from Wednesdays through Sundays in June, July, & August. It is mostly family-oriented things, so do not anticipate to be blown away, but still exciting and free.

PechaKucha Night

PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. At PechaKucha Night, all kinds of individuals present something they’re enthusiastic about, with a focus on young developers displaying their newest innovative tasks. The format is like this: 20 pictures x 20 seconds. It is a structure that creates demonstrations brief, & keeps factors shifting at a fast speed. The concept captured on and PechKucha Evenings are organized all over the world and they also organize one in Amsterdam.

Take a free ferry ride

This one is not really for everybody, but if you don’t have enough cash for an Amsterdam cruise you will be satisfied to know that you can ride the ferry from behind Centraal Place across the Het IJ for free. There are 3 different tracks from the docks just behind the train station, and two of them just head across the stream and a bit east. While the 3rd takes quite an awesome trip northern and western, providing you an exciting view of the commercial areas of the Harbour area.

Lunchtime Concerts

Every Wednesday, from September to June, at 12:30 PM, the Concertgebouw treats guests to a thirteen-minute concert. This concert is often a public rehearsal from world-renowned ensembles that will work “officially” later that evening. On Tuesdays, from Oct to June, also at 12:30 PM, the Boekmanzaal room at the Amsterdam Muziektheater complex serves free concerts performed by one of its long lasting ensembles.

Do you know other things to see or do in Amsterdam for free? Leave them in the comments below.

Related

About DJ Yabis

DJ Yabis is the poster boy of Dream Euro Trip and a modern day renaissance man. Originally from the Philippines, he loves throwing dinner parties and stalking rock stars in music festivals. Subscribe or follow his adventures LIVE on Facebook or Instagram. Learn how to plan your own eurotrip.

Vondel Park sure is a great place to visit all year round, even in Winter. It’s a pleasant escape from the hubbub of Amsterdam – you could spend hours wandering around (it is 47 hectares in size!) or relaxing on a park bench watching the world go by.

Every Friday evening there is the Friday Night Skate that starts in front of the Filmmuseum. Anyone can join in, free of charge, just bring your skates.

Leave a Reply

Google Ads

How much will myEuro Trip really cost?

FREE Euro Trip Budget Calculator

Join 53,722+ travellers who know the answer to what seems like a very simple question.

How long is your Euro Trip?How many places/cities are you visiting?In which region(s) of Europe?How often will you go out to party?What type of traveller are you?When are you going to Europe?Where are you flying from?Enter your first name and email to receive your budget. You
will also receive delightfully infrequent updates of great
travel deals and secret Euro Trip tips. No spam. I promise. Unsubscribe instantly.

HEJ, MY

NAME IS

DJ YABIS

I have studied, worked and
travelled all over Europe since 2009.
I created this website to help youplan, budget and live up your
own Dream Euro Trip.